QR executives may go without bonuses

QUEENSLAND Rail executives may go without bonuses this year as Transport Minister Scott Emerson again attacks the state-owned company.

In a statement, Mr Emerson said the bonuses would not be paid unless they were required by contractual agreements.

He said Queensland Rail was not performing well enough to justify the payments.

"I think most people would take a dim view of bonuses at a time when we are making hard decisions," Mr Emerson said.

According to Mr Emerson, in 2010/11 there were 1337 bonuses costing $4.8 million despite claiming to link executive pay to performance.

"I accept that there are some circumstances where bonuses are required as part of an employment package, but $4.8 million is not an acceptable level, particularly when there is declining patronage and reliability reached a three-year low."